Notebook: Shaw makes the grade
Michigan junior running back Michael Shaw has been cleared academically and will play Saturday against UConn, head coach Rich Rodriguez said today.
"He did what he had to do with his summer class, finished all his finals," Rodriguez reported. "He's full participation and will be ready to go Saturday."
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Redshirt freshman Fitz Toussaint likely be held out with a sprained knee suffered in practice.
"He's still dealing with the knee a little bit," said Rodriguez. "With a few more days rest, hopefully he'll be ready to go next week. He's doubtful for Saturday."
Shaw and sophomore Vincent Smith are the most experienced backs and could see the majority of the snaps earlier in the game.
"We have not determined the starter yet," Rodriguez said. "Mike has missed a few practices because of the classwork, but he's been in the offense, been to most practices so he knows what we're doing.
"He'll compete and battle. He and Smith are the guys with the most experience and they've shown that in practice, but we'll probably play three or even four tailbacks in this game."
Notes
• Rodriguez said there were no academic casualties. Backup safety Jared Van Slyke, however, hurt his collarbone in practice and is questionable for Saturday. He was competing to hold for field goals and extra points with freshman Drew Dileo and walk-on receiver Doug Rogan.
• Freshman punter Will Hagerup continues to impress.
"He's really kicked well. He's a very talented guy, of course," said Rodriguez. "He's got the personality … sure he'll be nervous, but I've seen him hit some punts in practice that were just unbelievable. He looked like Zoltan [Mesko] but right footed.
"I think he has the ability to be one of the best in our league for the next four years."
• Rodriguez said placekicking duties would be allocated after tomorrow's practice, but he's confident in both Brendan Gibbons and walk-on Seth Broekhuizen.